When Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles strutted onto an NFL practice field for the first time at the team's rookie minicamp, there was an unmistakable aura. He's the guy now, and he's already acting like it.
And though it was only one practice, it was enough to catch the eye of a bitter former rival.
Big things are expected of Styles. The Commanders got a stroke of good luck they weren't going to waste when the Ohio State product fell out of the top five and into Adam Peters' lap at No. 7 overall. The general manager acknowledged that the decision was pretty simple. It was also evident throughout the pre-draft process how highly Washington thought of the player and the person.
Sonny Styles' speed got Dez Bryant's attention at Commanders' rookie minicamp
After signing his four-year rookie deal with $37.2 million fully guaranteed, it was time to get to work. Styles, wearing No. 52 and not single digits, caught the eye throughout practice, displaying the athleticism, explosiveness, and controlled aggression that enamored Washington to the prospect during its comprehensive pre-draft assessments.
And some videos released from the session also got others' attention.
Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant, who tormented Washington for years with the Dallas Cowboys, couldn't quite believe the speed Styles possessed. And the best part? It was only based on a special-teams drill clip posted by Scott Abraham of 7News DC.
We can't embed ot due to profanity, but you get the picture.
It's just one practice. It's just one clip. But there's a growing sense around the Commanders, former NFL players, and the media about what a special talent Styles is and could become in Washington.
This is a generational athlete. One only has to look at his exceptional testing numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine to see that. His on-field production in college speaks for itself. The football IQ, leadership, and love for the game are off the charts, too. There were very few sure things at the top end of this year's draft, but the Commanders got a safer bet than most.
Day 1 of Washington's rookie minicamp was merely a chance for Styles to take the first step into what will hopefully be a profitable NFL career. Things will get tougher and more intense as the summer goes on, and the regular season will be the ultimate litmus test for the rookie. Even so, the highly touted second-level enforcer only got one chance to make a good first impression.
Styles achieved that and then some. And if Bryant can see it, others can too.
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